Disney OKs Facial Hair For Cast Members

Cast Members Allowed To Grow Beards, Goatees

Disney is loosening its guidelines for employees' shaving habits, paving the way for cast members to grow beards and goatees.

The entertainment and amusement park giant made the announcement Monday.

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The guidelines remain strict for Disney cast members who decide to grow beards and goatees. According to the Disney Look Handbook, they must be well groomed and can be no longer than a quarter of an inch.

Rollins College professor Rick Foglesong wrote a book about Disney World and its impact on Orlando. Foglesong said the beards are a sign Disney is evolving.

"My response is, it's about time. For the people who work at Disney there are lot of rules and regulations, and some might say its oppressive upon them but that's all intended by the company to produce a predictable typical type product," said Foglesong.

Walt Disney had vision of a wholesome theme park, and one Disney employee WESH 2 News spoke to said growing facial hair won't change that image.

"I think that a little bit of individuality between the cast members is not a bad thing. I think that people can have facial hair and still be beautiful, clean cut and wholesome," said the Disney cast member.

A family vising the park from Austin, Texas, said the change is something Disney could do without

"The clean look makes them more approachable and less scary for the kids, and it's a better example as well," said Derick Workman.

A Disney spokesperson told WESH 2 News this is something cast members had been requesting.

"While we are careful to maintain our heritage and the integrity of our brand, a recent review of our guidelines led to a decision that an update was appropriate at this time," said Andrea Finger, media relations with Walt Disney World Resort.